The atmosphere on the bridge of the SR2 is tense. The ground team have all clustered around the pilot's station, looking apprehensively at the garish image being shown by the haptic control clusters.
All but one
At the galaxy map, showing the same strange imagery as the cockpit, the Commander stands alone.
The torment and fear on his face is clear
He knows what must be done
Slowly, his hand flicks an illusory control, designating a course. From the prow of the ship there echoes a groan of abject terror. Miranda's voice, replete with an uncharacteristic apprehension, wafts back to the commander.
"Are you sure, sir?"
Shepard is quiet for a moment. Then he speaks, and his voice is the one that has bound so many disparate elements to his cause, rich with charisma and authority...and just a hint of pride.
"Joker. Can you do it?"
The pilot looks pensively at the offending consoles for a few seconds, then gives a wry grin. "Try and stop me, boss".
And, without ceremony, Shepard presses the activation key.
Almost immediately, Joker begins pressing holographic keys. His fingers are moving with incredible speed, eyes alive with an almost mindless fire. There is no room for thought, only reaction. A bead of sweat falls from his brow and catches in his beard. His eyes are fixed on the images ahead of him, hands flying across the console seemingly of their own accord.
It is beautiful.
The watching ground team dare not breathe.
And, after what seems like an eternity, his task is done.
He looks down and, in a near-daze, blows imaginary smoke from his fingertips
The eyes of the others are fixed on the screen.
PIANO HERO
SONG: Baba O'Riley
ARTIST: The Who
DIFFICULTY: Expert
SCORE: 100%
And Jeff Moreau looks back down the ship, past the awed ground team, past the disbelieving crew, past the lustful stare of the Yeoman, and into the eyes of Commander Shepard.
"Told ya so"
A/N: If you don't know the song, go look it up. Then imagine trying to play that opening.